About Us

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. I’m in crisis now. Who can I call?A. Help is available 24 hours a day on the Trevor Project Suicide Hotline 1-866-488-7386 and Lifenet 1-800-543-3638. Note: If someone calls after 7pm, our automated voice mail will direct the person to call the numbers above. If it’s a weekday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. you can call 212-674-2400 and one of our staff will see that you get the immediate help you need. Or you can drop by HMI anytime during those hours. We’re at 2 Astor Place, @ Broadway. Get Directions

Q: What is The Hetrick-Martin Institute?
A: The Hetrick-Martin Institute is the oldest and largest nonprofit agency created to serve lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth between the ages of 13 and 24. Our After-School programs invite youth to explore the arts, culture, tutoring, job skills, and health issues—with an LGBTQ focus. Our Supportive Services staff provides help in areas from housing to HIV counseling to family therapy, all tailored to the individual. Find out more.

Q: Why is it called the Hetrick-Martin Institute?
A: In November 1979 life partners Dr. Emery Hetrick, a psychiatrist, and Dr. Damien Martin, a professor at New York University, heard the heartbreaking story of a homeless 15-year-old boy who had been beaten and kicked out of his emergency shelter because he was gay. They were so moved that they gathered a group of concerned adults and created what was then called the Institute for the Protection of Lesbian and Gay Youth (IPLGY). In 1988, the Institute was renamed The Hetrick-Martin Institute in honor of its founders’ lifelong commitment to service. Read More.

Q. Is the Harvey Milk High School part of the Hetrick-Martin Institute?A. Yes and no. The Harvey Milk High School is a small New York City public school, and HMI is the community-based organization that partners with it. All small public schools in New York have these partnerships. The New York City Department of Education administers the school and its applications. HMI After-School programs and Supportive Services are for all youth, not just Harvey Milk students. Read More.

Q: Is Hetrick-Martin the right place for me?A: It doesn’t matter whether you identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or straight, transgender female or male. It doesn’t matter if you are “out, loud and proud” or on the “DL,” “in the closet” or “living large.” You can be a goth or a geek; a baller or a candy raver. If you are 13 to 24 and want to be a part of a progressive youth program set in a hate-free space, then HMI is for you. How to Join.

Q: How do I find Hetrick-Martin?A: The Hetrick-Martin Institute is in the heart of the East Village. Located at 2 Astor Place @ Broadway, HMI and the Harvey Milk High School are located one block away from both the N&R (yellow) and 6 (green) subway lines—N/R to 8th Street; 6 to Astor Place. Get Directions

Hours & Location:

Hetrick-Martin Institute is located in New York City.
2 Astor Place, New York, NY 10003
Phone: 212-674-2400

Getting Here
Hetrick-Martin Institute and the Harvey Milk High School are located in the same building, one block away from both the R&W (yellow) and 6 (green) subway lines — R/W to 8th Street; 6 to Astor Place. Get Directions.